Did Ukraine Miss an Early Chance to Negotiate Peace With Russia?

Weeks after the Russian invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, diplomats from both sides met for peace talks. Then the world learned about Russia’s massacre in Bucha.

What actually happened on that momentous Tuesday and in the immediate aftermath has since turned into a matter of fundamental disagreement among Ukraine, Western nations and Russia. 

The Istanbul meeting has also emerged as a key point of discord in America’s own debate about the war, as indispensable U.S. aid to Ukraine remains stalled in Congress because of Republican opposition. 

Some argue that Ukraine blew a chance at the time to end the war. The real story paints a different, and far more complicated, picture. 

WSJ 5 January 2024


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